Federer Makes History with Three Slams, Masters Cup Title

"I'm coming here not so well prepared," said Federer, with the Masters Cup his first event after a muscle tear in his thigh. "It is difficult to believe what has happened."

Federer now leads Hewitt 8-7 in their career meetings, including their last six.

It was the 11th title for Federer in 2004, with Hewitt and Andy Roddick tied for second with four. Roddick finishes the year at No. 2 behind Club Fed with Hewitt, who would have overtaken Roddick with the Masters Cup title, at No. 3.

The win was also a record 23rd consecutive victory for the Swiss over Top 10 opponents, his 17th match win in a row, and his 13th consecutive win in a tournament final.

Hewitt could only give a nod to the Swiss' dominance on the year.

"I'd like to congratulate Roger not only for winning the tournament but for the way he has played all year," Hewitt said. "He has really cleaned me up this year. I'll go back to the drawing board and hopefully I can get him next year."

Now Federer enters 2005 with a substantial lead at No. 1, the added pressure of the "Potential Greatest of All" title, and talk of the near-impossible, the first man to win all four slams in one calendar year in the Open Era since Rod Laver in 1969.

"My main focus is to stay No. 1 in the world and defend my Wimbledon crown," Federer said. "I just have to try to keep on playing this way."

The rainy forecast made tournament officials shorten the final from best-of-five to two-of-three sets.